~The Carriage House~

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Featured This Month~ Sisters at The Carriage House

For Sale on Ebay...Jan offers paintings on wild turkey feathers

An Interview with Jan Young ~ artist, designer,and friend

Today I’m writing about Jan Young, a self-taught well known designer, artist, and friend from Vandalia Missouri. Her paintings and craft projects have found their way across the USA and in the hands and hearts of creative souls worldwide.

Jan's business, Raggedy Jan to Primitive Ewe, took root in the small Midwestern town she resides, along with her partner and best friend..her sister Barb Betts.

These sisters are graced with a passion for turning old discarded items into collectable Primitive and Folk Art decor. They use things from Vintage rusted tin ware and wood items to tattered Antique Quilts and Vintage Coverlets ...and with added flair, restoring them back to life. None of us will forget Jan's generosity during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ,when offering her work up for auction, as she did donating this hand painted skate .

They have sold finished handcrafted creations and artwork through local retail gift shops, craft fairs Ebay, Esty, and their new website. Raggedy Jan to Primitive Ewe was launched this year. Many of us have been the recipients of Jan's talents through ornament and craft swaps over the years. Today, she joins our readers for a brief chat about her years in the creative arts.

Q: What was your first job as a young woman?A:My first job was back in 1969 BC (before computers) I was being trained as a teletype operator for a large insurance company..I will never forget my first day...I type in all the info and feeling pretty smug that I had finished my task in record time...when all of a sudden that machine started grinding and popping ..paper started flying out...I just knew it was either haunted or I had destroyed the communications dept...I was half way out the door before someone informed me that was normal...I was receiving the response to my input...LOL

Q: How did you make the leap from day job to dream job? What were some of the difficult parts of this transition for you?A:Silver Dollar City was just a few miles from where I lived in Branson..at that time it was known as an 1800s Craft Village..it was a seamless transition from doing an occasional show to a full time business. I have always been a gypsy at heart and the shows gave me the opportunity to travel to areas I have only dreamed of. Back in the early 70s craft shows were very unique and lucrative..We would literally have customers waiting in line for blocks. The first years were magic..no imports and customers were so excited about the work.Now I am giving my gypsy feet a rest..the business is now internet based..which is a challenge as I had not even touched a computer when I signed up for ebay...what was I thinking! Barb gave me a crash course and I have been learning ever since.

Q: Your work seems so positive, homey , and shows great detail ..it brings many appreciative comments. Do you ever tire of the endless hours it takes to create an item?A: Never.. I LOVE what I do and I am so very blessed and grateful to able to make a living at it.

Q: Any tips for keeping a paint studio or work area organized, efficient, functional, and fun?A: The workshop itself is very small..with 3 saws and 2 drill presses..the most important feature is the Craftmens Worktable..lots of storage for hand tools and many built in features such as clamps and guides.The paintroom is total chaos..The best feature of the paintroom is the lighting and all the windows. To keep it fun..I have country music rocking in there all the time.

Q: Please give us some insight on how you spend a typical day . What other interests do you have ?

A: There is no such thing as a typical day here..this is what keeps everything so exciting! One day may be spent treasure hunting with my Mom and sister, the next could be cutting wood and sanding in the shop.I paint in the evenings and late into the night..many times I get so wrapped up in my work that it is the wee hours of the morning before I realize it.As far as my other interests..I love to study the Bible, Civil War history and on-line jig saw puzzles..no more lost pieces! Last, but certainly not least..chatting on line with my friends and customers.

Q: Where do you find the inspiration for your world globe, and other creations? A:My sister Barb is a huge inspiration for me...she comes up with some very unique ideas.The first globe was a scene of Santa and his sleigh and then it just evolved into the Halloween story Barb and I have created about the accident prone little witch...Bippity. Her cat Boo and the Boppity the crow.

Q:Are they inspired by books of your childhood, works of other artists, family? etc..

A:I get inspiration from all of the above..but alot comes from my wonderful customers..many friends and customers email with the best ideas!

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your artwork and crafts ?

A: I had to really give this a lot of thought..I love being close to my family, it is a dream job..but bottom line..it comes down to all the wonderful people that have touched my life through craft shows and the internet..After well over 30 years in this business, the thing I appreciate the most is all the lifelong friends I have met along the way.

Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to take their home-based crafts business to the next level?A: I would have to answer that you must treat it like a business and not a hobby. You must have the discipline to put in the hours required and learn the many tasks such as marketing,bookwork etc.

Q: Any advice for marketing products on the Web?A: We hired an expert to optimize our website for the SEO..that was money well spent.

Barbs life~size Old World Santa made form Vintage fabrics

Q: Can you tell our readers what keeps you fresh, inspired, and full of creative ideas? Tell us your secret!A: Faith..Family and Friends adds so much joy to my life. Having a crazy sense of humor is a plus also.

Q:What are your favorite TV shows, books, past times etc. A:I like to watch Documentaries..Country Music Videos and Historical and Western Movies.I love to read, right now I am reading The Left Behind series..My favorite past time is playing with my dog and chatting on phone or the internet.

Q:Web and auction sites we can see your work at?
Web and auction sites we can see their work

RaggedyJan to Primitive Ewe

ebay raggedyjan13

ebay store Raggedy Jan to Primitive Ewe

Barbs ebay store Somewhere Back in time.

Barb currently has her creations listed with ebay seller dubbie-du in combination with the store Somewhere back in time. Also you will find them on the Web.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

We Proudly Introduce

Our Guest Artist, Kathi Robinaugh

This month, I would like to introduce readers of the Carriage house, a friend to many, Kathi Robinaugh. She and her family reside in the state of Ohio, Kathi is an altered artist, junker, Vice President of their private ambulance service, devoted wife to Darin, and mom to 4 boys (Jason, 22, Jordy, 19, Brody 17, and Trace, 11) . Kathi and Darin celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary , December 28th., with a belated honeymoon trip to Florida in January, followed quickly by a Silver Anniversary "surprise" party, planned by their sons and extended family. Congratulations !!

She began creating as a child, and has done Primitive painting, sewing, and stitchery, and altered art. She also has enjoyed doing shows, consignment, mall booths, antique booths and a little wholesale. She is now primarily selling online. ( you can see her shops to the far right side bar listings) After several years of scrapbooking the kids' pictures, she began to do other papercraft type projects and is currently focused on primitive and whimsical altered art, such as handmade journals, prim tags, and anything else she can find to alter! Her customers appreciate that she has an eye for design. She is talented in visualizing things in her mind as she shops and creates items in non traditional designs. I received a catalog from a wholesaler today and it was all sheep, willow trees, stars and crows. I have to admit, I am really tiring of that look, probably because of "over kill" in the market. When I looked through Kathi's many Esty web sites, I was immediately challenged as a crafter, as I found her ideas all new and refreshing to see! I love her use of nostalgic prints, and bringing the past to the present through her creations. It reminds me of a nostalgic time when the simple things in life were revered. One thing she has shared on her blog recently was her love of her grandmother who passed when Kathi was 25 yrs. She had been a huge influence to Kathi, living next door, and they no doubt felt very close to each other. When I look at Kathi's work, I can actually sense the feeling of her having known and loved such a person.
Her granny has been an inspiration to her in her work, even yet today

When the heart weeps for what it has lost,

the spirit laughs for what it has found.

SUFISM

Over the years, I have seen and have worked with some of the most talented people you could ever meet.. Kathi Robinaugh is no exception, as she is right up there amongst the best. She knows a great deal about design and follows her instinctive creative abilities and runs with it! Kathi's work has been featured in Country Marketplace and Merchantile Gatherings Magazines, and on the cover of the Ohio Country Register

Kathi and Darin are involved with their church family, reaching out to others. She sings in the worship team (she says she \loves , singing for people, and mostly for GOD is something she's always wanted to do), tutors children one afternoon a week, and works in the food panty and soup kitchen when she can. They were "youth sponsors" with the high school kids for 2 years, helping them plan fundraisers, taking them on trips and outings, etc. Kathi recently shared with me that even though she is not baptized Mennonite, they attend a Mennonite church, and live according to the Mennonite beliefs. Kathi said " Its a modern Mennonite church...no buggies, cape dress or head coverings, and we all live in modern homes, etc. We use our lives to set us apart. I know I have become a much better person since we've been going, and at the same time, achieved some of my dreams while doing it. And made many close friends, and casual friends, in the church family. Those are the friends that stayed with me and brought food, movies, and coffee-drinks-that-don't-taste-like-coffee when I was on crutches, thank God for them! "

Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun. ~George Scialabba

This is a favorite altered art project Kathi shared with us last fall. She utilized old family photos of her children in Halloween costumes . You can read how she did to, on her blog. Isn't it lovely! Kathi never ceases to come up with something extra special for her customers and her home!

The following also explains a lot of what Kathi is about. I was reading her blog the other day and read a post she wrote, that was so profound, I have asked to share it and her pictures here with you. It is one thing to be a talented artist, but rare to write about some one you are certain, God inspires their work. If you can read this and not have a lump left in your throat and a desire to do better...read it again..this is powerful testimony to what faith means.

(Hello! We spent most of June on the road...4 hotels in 4 weeks, and thousands of miles walked, it seems! We are youth sponsors at church, and last week went with them to the Mennonite Church Convention in Columbus, Ohio, about an hour from home. This story has a funny part, but also has some very sad parts and gets a bit preachy, just a warning....) While we were in Columbus last week, every night we'd run across a few people begging for change for bus fare. After the first night Trace (my 10 year old son) said he had 42 cents that he wanted to give this woman that was needing bus fare...I kind of discouraged him, but he didn't understand...and the more he questioned it, the less convinced I became of my own argument. And it was a little disturbing, watching her standing there begging, just wanting to get home, while thousands of Mennonites marched past her, ignoring her, carrying their $3 bottles of water.

The last day we were there, on the way to the convention center we passed a man holding a used paper cup, blank look in his face, weakly asking for change. My husband told him "sorry, I don't have any change", which wasn't true...I did have some, but it was in my phone case and hard to get to quickly. So before we walked back to the car, I got in my case and came up with a dollar bill and some coins, and put them in my pocket for easy access.

On the way back to the car late that night, he was still standing there, now slouching some and looking even more blank and tired. I went up to him and emptied the contents of my pocket in his cup...the funny part is, I also had our Subway receipt in my pocket, and accidently gave him that too...I realized it after I put it in...and of course, it's never a good idea to give your CC receipt to a bum, so I had to tell him, sorry, and get in the cup to pull it back out (imadork) When I did, I saw that he'd only had a few cents before I put mine in. He looked in my face with that blank stare, then in the cup, just staring....it was really sad.

Then Trace came up beside me and smiled, patting me on the back...

I can still see his sad face...if God is with US, then God is with him too. But he probably doesn't even know it.

Even if he does take it to buy alcohol, we all spend our money, which is so much more than he has, on foolish things too. So who are we to judge?

One of the stories we heard last week was about a group of nuns that were with Mother Teresa, and how they came to her one night telling of finding a woman in an alley, who had just given birth. The baby was stillborn and the rats were eating it. (I know, that's sickening and hard to hear) They asked her, where was GOD? She replied, "God was there....but where were God's people?"

That is something I will never forget, and all I could think that was God was with that man, while God's people just walked by...

Thank you Kathi for sharing your life and talents with us

here at the Carriage House!

Questionare..

Tell us about yourself..family, jobs , interests etc.. I am married for 25 years to my husband Darin, we've been together since we were 16. We have four sons, Jason, 22, Jordy, 19, Brody 17, and Trace, 11. Darin is a paramedic and owns a private ambulance service, which is where I work, handling the money (which is not always fun) and helping him make decisions, then pushing him to follow through! We are bikers in warm weather, which we both love, we have "dates" at least once a week, plus lunch dates at work, and try to spend a lot of time with the boys, either going out somewhere, or just sitting around watching movies or playing wii...we all love the Rock Band games! I am also obsessed with garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and the occasional auction! I also like scrapbooking, reading and spending time with my parents and my friends.

Did you ever study art? no, unless you count in high school, and ceramic classes that I took for probably 10 years, starting at 16. That's a story, but I won't tell it here...not that exciting!

what and who first introduced you to altered art and making crafts? I started making things to sell in 1991, started on my front porch, and it grew into shows, consignment, etc. Then we got the internet! I was making a lot of primitive things...pillows, signs, etc, and started messing around with walnut ink and tags. Pretty soon, all I wanted to do was glue things! And stamp, and tear things apart....

where do you get your inspiration to make such wonderful items? mostly from my junking finds. Some of them just scream out what they want to be. Others I put somethings that look good together, then make up a little story about it. I'm also a magazine junky, and love all the Somerset magazines, and the paper craft magazines. I never copy anything, but it gets me "in the mood" to go make stuff. So I have to be careful when and where I read them! (I told Darin those magazines are like porn for crafters....but don't put that in the article, lol)

I have the sense from reading your blog, that you have a deep love of things past...was or is there someone in your life that influences you to turn the clock back in time when creating works of vintage art? I've always loved history, esp the 1800's, Civil War time, thanks to Laura Ingalls Wilder and Scarlett O'Hara. My whole family loves antiques and old stuff. My Granny Chic look is inspired by my Grandma, who I spent a lot of time with growing up. She died when I was 25 years old, and I had a very hard time with it. To make it worse, she lived behind us, so I could see her house from mine, and it was so hard, knowing she wasn't there anymore. But when we cleaned out her house, I brought a ton of stuff home, both to remember her by, and because it was just so cool! Even old wood clothespins remind me of her, as well as doilies, china, kitchen tools, etc. I have her piano, my clothes are in one of her dressers, etc For my last birthday, my parents gave me her sewing box that was always sitting out, and a big change purse that she carried her "bingo money" in. Those items are so precious to me.

Families ties are important to you...do your children/ Mr Whim enjoy your interest in altered art as well? Nope, and they don't get it either. They will help me with anything I need, like dying tags, sanding stuff, etc, and I have gotten Brody doing a bit of altered art, with his scrabble signs. He and Jordy both can draw really well, Jason is an excellent musician, and Trace is creative, but keeps it to his legos. My mom is an artist with a long history of different mediums. She can do things I can't, like drawing, crochet/knitting, and she is a perfect seamstress and makes quilts all the time. We try to scrapbook one day a week together, and my dad will hang around looking at what we do. He even will buy me scrapbook supplies that he thinks I will like, which is pretty cute. His claim to crafter fame is Buckeye necklaces (for the Ohio State Buckeyes), and a real cool looking bird feeder. But my grandmothers both made things, as well as my aunts and my one uncle is an excellent woodworker, as was my maternal grandfather

I see you like to personalize your work with photos of loved ones and often will change the photo to give an aged look or altering it a little for effect...what is your favorite program to use when uploading and editing photos? I use Picasa, which I downloaded free. I usually like it, but sometimes it will give me fits!

Do you ever do tutorials . If so, are they posted anywhere ? I have in the past, but I'm sure none of them are still floating around. I also did 2 or 3 projects for the now defunct Country Marketplace magazines, and one for Mercantile Gatherings. One of my goals for this year is to do projects like that on my blog. And to get up the nerve to send things to Somerset.

what is your favorite medium to work with? I love paper, old photos, charms, buttons, ink and stamps, paper flowers.old junk like keys, etc. I also love paint and like fabric. Mostly I just like mixing it all up!

Forums you participate or post at?? I post at P&R and the Keeping Room. . . I have others I belong to, like Lollishops, Old Farmhouse Gathering, Etsy Supply Street team (esteem) but I don't have enough time to interact with them much. I am also on the super sweet and friendly Cottage Style Street Team ...essteam on Etsy supply team , and will post in their threads on the etsy forums, but rarely post on any others there.

what was the one project you did that you knew was your best ( or your favorite) work? A few years ago, I did a collage in an old picture frame with no backing...used an old photo of 2 little girls on it, then added a nest with 2 eggs. I really loved it and kept it for myself (which I rarely do)

How many hours a day on the average do you work in the studio?. on days I'm off work, up to 6, counting packing orders. Somedays I can't get in there at all!

where are your favorite "hang outs" to find items to do altered art with? The Urbana Ohio Flea Market (small but full of goodies at good prices and dealers willing to haggle), Goodwill, there's a good resale store about 30 miles away, that always has some good finds.Sometimes craft stores, but there is nowhere but Wal-Mart to buy craft supplies, within 30 miles. Also garage sales, or the famous Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market.

Favorite blogs sites you like to visit for inspiration for the type of craft you do? I occasionally visit favorite blogs, but none regularly, I just don't have time. Most of the ones I visit are my friends, to see what they are doing and how they are.
I do like Everyday is a Holiday http://everyday-is-a-holiday.blogspot.com/ Just because it is so darn cute, and Jenny and Aaron are always doing something fun!
http://lollishops.blogspot.com because I am a member there, and wish I had more time to spend there, doing challenges and what not
Tina from Denmark is one of my etsy friends...we buy from each other and swap fairly often! http://tinybear-dk.blogspot.com/
Deb Neerman was a customer from back in the ebay heydays, we still chat but not enough (sorry!), and she is so nice, funny, and of course, uber talented! http://debneerman.blogspot.com
Jan is another ebay idol turned customer, turned friend...she loves me and I love her, but again, I am terrible at keeping up with emails. She is a lot of fun, wild ideas and just a blast to "hang out" with http://polkadotbarn.blogspot.com/
Steph is a good friend of mine, also in the SSODS street team, and we've hung out in real life too, which is pretty cool. Tons of talent too! http://sunshinenravioli.blogspot.com

I have several of your webistes already listed Are there any places in Ohio that you presently sell items (shows, shops or malls?) There is one, The Marketplace, here in West Liberty that I sell a bit at, but that's all.

What are your favorite things to do when no crafting ? scrapbooking, junking, shopping at real stores for clothes, shoes, purses and of course, craft supplies. Like I said, hanging out with Mr Whim or my kids, parents, or going to Bible study or out for coffee with my friends. I also like to read, but rarely do. And I like organizing!

This Christmas, I would like to feature a long time friend and artist, Donna Weale. Many of us have fondly known Donna as "Queenie D" on the forums, and have enjoyed a long friendship with her for many years. Those of us that have been recipients of her handicrafts, have been doubly blessed. Her stitcheries and dolls are all exquisitely made and eye candy for any home or

tree at Christmas! Donna and her husband, Gareth, live in Ontario, Canada. They have two grown children and a little grandson they adore! Donna is creative in many ways. I mentioned she makes lovely dolls and ornaments, but over the years I have found her to be very gifted in writing. No one can describe the Northern Lights or an ocean trip viewing whales like Donna can! Her words are always so magical and she is able to take the reader on the most wonderful enjoyable adventures!

The following pictures are of her Christmas tree a couple years ago. all the ornaments, she made by hand. I will add a couple more pictures of my own of items she made for me as well. Thanks Donna for your friendship and sharing your talents !

Sunday, November 8, 2009

"I am Living My Dream ~Wouldn't it be great if we could all be satisfied and content with whatever God has allowed us to have in our lives? I hope to show people that you can live until the day you die, and to enjoy each and everyday !! I refuse to live any other way.." Pat Fischer

Pat Fischer began painting at an early age, encouraged by an extremely creative and self-sufficient mother. There was no money for art lessons, but Pat's mother secured materials for her. She convinced Pat that God provided her with a gift to express her self through art..

Pat’s work reflects her pride and love for her country. Her style brings a visually peaceful retreat to gentler, kinder times and promotes a pleasing image to those who own her prints. Pat has been concentrating on Americana work since the early 1990’s and acknowledges Rufus Porter as her inspiration for portraying saltbox houses, churches and willow trees. Porter’s influence began while Pat was living in New Hampshire and doing an independent study of his art. She, like Porter is self-taught and has had her heart touched by the beauty and peace of New England country scenes.

Her folk art brings back the special feeling one only gets when they reminisce of the past, knowing that it represents a true means to our Youth.

Pat recognizes her loving and supportive family for encouraging her to step out in faith and share her talents with others. A staunch promoter of her small Midwest community and her art, along with that and other artist, prompted Pat and her family to manage a local business called Antiques and Art. Other artist in the community and a country she loves, would be bolstered by her experience and success , to pursue and share their individual talents. She has always shared her love for art with others, including Jan young of Mo., previously featured at the Carriage House. Pat states "I have known Jan from our early days of doing retail shows together, we hit it off as fellow artisans right from the get-go." When you see their work, you will understand the close bound they share in art and as friends.

Pat’s work includes her American prints, wallpaper borders, kitchen accessories and an assortment of crafts. Husband, Joe, and Pat love to travel around this wonderful country to meet other artist, and buyers of her own beloved art. However, illness coming to her in recent years has limited their travels. At the end of this article you will find many resources as to where you can find her art work for sale.

It is Pat's wish to share with our readers about PH and the diagnosis made a few years ago that has so greatly affected her life.

Pat recently told me " They only discovered PH as a DX several years ago, and as a matter of fact, most Doctors and nurses that graduated before 1980 wouldn't have even been taught about it. I went to Mayo Clinic two years for treatment, as there is no cure, then just this last June, I joined in with a research group at Wash U. in St.Louis...I will be in a program for CHF and PH patients to help those in the future. I would love to make people aware of this illness somehow"

It is our wish, that many will read this and send it to others to read and learn about PH....to make a difference , because so many people are misdiagnosed and die believing they had COPD, and other lung diseses...this can be a secondary diease as well.

What is PH?

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare blood vessel disorder of the lung in which the pressure in the pulmonary artery (the blood vessel that leads from the heart to the lungs) rises above normal levels and may become life threatening.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath with minimal exertion, fatigue, chest pain, dizzy spells and fainting. When pulmonary hypertension occurs in the absence of a known cause, it is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). This term should not be construed to mean that because it has a single name it is a single disease. There are likely many unknown causes of IPAH. IPAH is extremely rare, occurring in about two persons per million population per year.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association has a vast library of resources and information. be sure to visit this site..it could save yours ,or a loved ones, life.

Pat is attended a a special fund raising dinner in St.Louis on Saturday Nov 7th . She has donated an original painting for the silent auction, and several packs of Holiday cards to it as well. November is the month that every PH chapter trys to bring awareness to the public about this medical condition. Members will be going with our significant others, and family . pat said " I am keeping my fingers crossed that my painting will bring in a good amount of money for this worthy cause, but not too many people know that I am an artist in our chapter in St.Louis, nor do they know about the cards and various other things I have donated." I am sure whether Pat known as an artist or not...her painting will enrich all those that see and purchase them. What a heart felt contribution to make for a worthy cause! Her physician Dr.Chakinala ,who is available in the St.Louis area, is highly respected as a leader in his field of the treatment of PH. He and another remarkable individual, Carl Hicks, who lost a daughter to PH were the speakers. Anyone wishing more information about PH can go to this website and gain information plus make a contribution if you wish.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Submitted by Jan Young
I met Pat over 25 years ago , we did shows back then with the Silver Dollar City Guild...and continued off and on for many years with many of the same promoters. Pat was such a special person and friend..one of the few people I have ever met that always had something good to say.

Our last few emails and Facebook postings were about our dogs..PAt and I both have yorkies and she loved Babe so. I think talking about our furbabies allowed her to escape for a bit.

I loved to tease her about the Apples..many years ago...before the primitives ...she painted Apples on everything...I use to call her Johnny Appleseed the second..it was a joke between us for years and lo and behold when we did a bottle swap here..she sends APPLES...I never laughed so hard over a swap before...but that was Pat! Jan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Submitted by Lizbeth Possum Queen

The scan above is the back side of the snowman in the photo below. :) She made it for me from one of her own prints to thank me for making her first graphic banner to use here on Delphi. The other print of hers below is one of her newest ones and she sent it to me when it first came out last fall because she knew how much I loved decorating for Christmas. But I fooled her... I leave it out all year long with my collection of pottery from a dear dear friend who died 3 years ago....

Above: My kitchen is decorated with apples & pears and I keep this hand-painted journal on my butcher block all the time. Well, except Christmas when it gets SANTA-FIED.

Below: Pat sent me this laundry on the line print as a housewarming when we moved out of our 1800's log home into this mid-century modern and I was trying to make my things work... :)

I was remembering our last phone call where prayed with her. I nver was lucky enough to have her for a swap partner :( but i have my few memories. and i NEVER ever thought to ask her to swap something so i could have a pic dummy me. but ill forever have the memory of our last phone call with the Lord. Pam

Friday, September 11, 2009

Today I’m writing about Jan Young, a self-taught well known designer, artist, and friend from Vandalia Missouri. Her paintings and craft projects have found their way across the USA and in the hands and hearts of creative souls worldwide.

Jan's business, Raggedy Jan to Primitive Ewe, took root in the small Midwestern town she resides, along with her partner and best friend..her sister Barb Betts.

These sisters are graced with a passion for turning old discarded items into collectable Primitive and Folk Art decor. They use things from Vintage rusted tin ware and wood items to tattered Antique Quilts and Vintage Coverlets ...and with added flair, restoring them back to life. None of us will forget Jan's generosity during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ,when offering her work up for auction, as she did donating this hand painted skate .

They have sold finished handcrafted creations and artwork through local retail gift shops, craft fairs Ebay, Esty, and their new website. Raggedy Jan to Primitive Ewe was launched this year. Many of us have been the recipients of Jan's talents through ornament and craft swaps over the years. Today, she joins our readers for a brief chat about her years in the creative arts.

Q: What was your first job as a young woman?A:My first job was back in 1969 BC (before computers) I was being trained as a teletype operator for a large insurance company..I will never forget my first day...I type in all the info and feeling pretty smug that I had finished my task in record time...when all of a sudden that machine started grinding and popping ..paper started flying out...I just knew it was either haunted or I had destroyed the communications dept...I was half way out the door before someone informed me that was normal...I was receiving the response to my input...LOL

Q: How did you make the leap from day job to dream job? What were some of the difficult parts of this transition for you?A:Silver Dollar City was just a few miles from where I lived in Branson..at that time it was known as an 1800s Craft Village..it was a seamless transition from doing an occasional show to a full time business. I have always been a gypsy at heart and the shows gave me the opportunity to travel to areas I have only dreamed of. Back in the early 70s craft shows were very unique and lucrative..We would literally have customers waiting in line for blocks. The first years were magic..no imports and customers were so excited about the work.Now I am giving my gypsy feet a rest..the business is now internet based..which is a challenge as I had not even touched a computer when I signed up for ebay...what was I thinking! Barb gave me a crash course and I have been learning ever since.

Q: Your work seems so positive, homey , and shows great detail ..it brings many appreciative comments. Do you ever tire of the endless hours it takes to create an item?A: Never.. I LOVE what I do and I am so very blessed and grateful to able to make a living at it.

Q: Any tips for keeping a paint studio or work area organized, efficient, functional, and fun?A: The workshop itself is very small..with 3 saws and 2 drill presses..the most important feature is the Craftmens Worktable..lots of storage for hand tools and many built in features such as clamps and guides.The paintroom is total chaos..The best feature of the paintroom is the lighting and all the windows. To keep it fun..I have country music rocking in there all the time.

Q: Please give us some insight on how you spend a typical day . What other interests do you have ?

A: There is no such thing as a typical day here..this is what keeps everything so exciting! One day may be spent treasure hunting with my Mom and sister, the next could be cutting wood and sanding in the shop.I paint in the evenings and late into the night..many times I get so wrapped up in my work that it is the wee hours of the morning before I realize it.As far as my other interests..I love to study the Bible, Civil War history and on-line jig saw puzzles..no more lost pieces! Last, but certainly not least..chatting on line with my friends and customers.

Q: Where do you find the inspiration for your world globe, and other creations? A:My sister Barb is a huge inspiration for me...she comes up with some very unique ideas.The first globe was a scene of Santa and his sleigh and then it just evolved into the Halloween story Barb and I have created about the accident prone little witch...Bippity. Her cat Boo and the Boppity the crow.

Q:Are they inspired by books of your childhood, works of other artists, family? etc..

A:I get inspiration from all of the above..but alot comes from my wonderful customers..many friends and customers email with the best ideas!

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your artwork and crafts ?

A: I had to really give this a lot of thought..I love being close to my family, it is a dream job..but bottom line..it comes down to all the wonderful people that have touched my life through craft shows and the internet..After well over 30 years in this business, the thing I appreciate the most is all the lifelong friends I have met along the way.

Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to take their home-based crafts business to the next level?A: I would have to answer that you must treat it like a business and not a hobby. You must have the discipline to put in the hours required and learn the many tasks such as marketing,bookwork etc.

Q: Any advice for marketing products on the Web?A: We hired an expert to optimize our website for the SEO..that was money well spent.

Barbs life~size Old World Santa made form Vintage fabrics

Q: Can you tell our readers what keeps you fresh, inspired, and full of creative ideas? Tell us your secret!A: Faith..Family and Friends adds so much joy to my life. Having a crazy sense of humor is a plus also.

Q:What are your favorite TV shows, books, past times etc. A:I like to watch Documentaries..Country Music Videos and Historical and Western Movies.I love to read, right now I am reading The Left Behind series..My favorite past time is playing with my dog and chatting on phone or the internet.

Q:Web and auction sites we can see your work at?
Web and auction sites we can see their work

RaggedyJan to Primitive Ewe

ebay raggedyjan13

ebay store Raggedy Jan to Primitive Ewe

Barbs ebay store Somewhere Back in time.

Barb currently has her creations listed with ebay seller dubbie-du in combination with the store Somewhere back in time. Also you will find them on the Web.